Kenny G debuts G- and E-Series saxophones at winter NAMM 2008

Internationally celebrated recording artist Kenny G debuted his new saxophone lines, the G-Series and the E-Series at the 2008 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Kenny performed and demonstrated on the G-Series Saxophone new songs off his February 5th Starbucks Entertainment and Concord Records co-release Rhythm & Romance. This is Kenny’s first Latin album and a unique combination of rich Samba, Salsa and Bossa Nova love songs anchored by Kenny’s signature saxophone melodies. The album is a collection of twelve originals and classic ballads such as “Sabor a Mi” and “Besame Mucho.”
“When I was introduced to the saxophone about 40 years ago, it was like I was handed the keys to the universe,” said Kenny. “It is my hope that my saxophone lines will inspire others, whether they are beginners or pros, with the same passion for one of the finest instruments in the world.” The G-Series soprano saxophone is aiming at the more advanced musicians and is patterned after the soprano saxophone Kenny has played for over two decades. The first soprano saxophone to offer an advanced harmonic key design, the G-Series also boasts and adjustable thumb rest and a one-piece body design. The new features of this soprano were designed by Kenny G and Rheuben Allen, a long-time respected woodwind repairman and well known designer of woodwinds and accessories.
The Professional G-Series saxophone is the first manufactured soprano to offer an advanced harmonic key design. The altissimo key opens the palm E key instead of the palm F like traditional saxophones. This allows the front E, F, F# and G to respond faster and be more in tune. The Professional saxophone also features high F# and high G finger keys allowing for the best possible technique when reaching from the lower stack key or palm keys. This high F# and high G also allow for the musician to easily slide back and forth between the high keys.

The E-Series saxophone is an educational soprano saxophone, designed for the novice and features a newly designed adjustable thumb rest with contoured sides. Matching the contour of the saxophone, the new thumb rest provides a greater surface area for the thumb to rest against. Unlike other saxophone thumb rests that have two square sides, the G-Series thumb rests are contoured to the shape of the instrument allowing the thumb a larger area to rest against. The saxophone’s range reaches to high G, allowing the musician to reach the more difficult notes with greater ease.
With a career spanning more than 25 years, Kenny G’s ability to create and set different moods with his music has made him one of the world’s most renowned soprano saxophone players. With total global sales of more than 75 million albums, singles and videos, he has earned GRAMMY, American Music, Soul Train, World Music and NAACP Image awards as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Rhythm and Romance follows up Kenny G’s 2006 collection of all-instrumental popular material I’m In The Mood For Love…The Most Romantic Melodies of All Time. Prior to that, Kenny released his fourth holiday best-seller The Greatest Holiday Classics, preceded by 2004’s RIAA gold At Last…The Duets Album.